Plans underway for Leeds' first pickleball centre - but what is it?
A fast-growing racket sport could be played in a converted industrial unit if plans are agreed with the council.
Leeds City Council is considering an application to turn a vacant building at Seacroft Industrial Estate into the city’s first pickleball centre.
A planning report said the new facility could boost fitness in the east Leeds community.
It said: “Pickleball is inclusive, accessible and particularly popular among older adults and beginners, providing a welcoming environment for people who may be less engaged in traditional sports.”
A change-of-use planning application would allow a conversion of the unit on the Coal Road estate.
The report said it was expected that four jobs would be created, including for pickleball coaches and reception staff.
The report said: “The change of use will breathe new life into a vacant premises and establish a new community recreation hub for Leeds.
“Leeds currently lacks any dedicated indoor pickleball facility. The centre will also serve as a regional training and competition venue, hosting local leagues and friendly tournaments to promote sports tourism and civic pride.”
What is Pickleball?
- Invented in 1965 in the US as a children’s backyard game, the sport combines elements of tennis and badminton and is played with a perforated plastic ball.
- Two or four players use a smooth-faced paddle to hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball over a 34-inch-high (0.86 m) net, until one side is unable to return the ball or commits a rule infraction.
- Pickleball has specific scoring rules, paddles, balls and court lines which differ from the similar sports of tennis, table tennis and badminton.